Could Tickling save your life?

[Budweiserbob!]

hmmmmm... That's a toughie.

I was thinking about this earlier when I was watching an old film (I was bored and had nothing better to do) and it showed a scene where a baby was held upside down and slapped on the bottom in order to start it's respiratory system.

Now, we all know how this works (the slapping causes the baby to cry, which means it has to take in a breathe to cry out and thus starting the breathing pattern). But could tickling do the same thing? I mean, could causing the baby to laugh or giggle do the same thing?
Or on an even more drastic note, could it restart someones breathing? (Ok, I realise that this concept is a whole lot different to the baby thing, but I'm just curious).

... Kinda a silly question, I know. But I like to think of these things. Makes me feel young! 😛

 

[LITickleree1]

probably not

 

[MistressValerie1]

Actually, I think the upside-down slapping is done to clear fluid or meconium from the baby's throat, although nowadays a small suction device is normally used instead.

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

Isn't there a part of a mother or father that wants to do these things themselves and not let a device do it? I'm not a parent, but something tells me I'd want to do it myself. Its not that I wouldn't trust technology to be better or more practical, but I feel there would be a primal, paternal desire to care for your offspring yourself, as opposed to using an instrument. It seems more natural.

I like to joke around about how when the day comes that we have robot arms that wipe our asses for us when we're done with the toilet, then we're really screwed. I hope the day doesn't come when we let robots raise and nuture our babies and children.

EDIT:

Oh, and on topic, no, I don't think tickling could save your life. It might reduce the stresses in your life (via laughter and the sensations of enjoyment and contentment and help contribute to these positive things and a healthy mentality, body and heart) but I don't think it can actually save it, long term. Perhaps it might add to your vitality or happiness and give you more energy somehow, but prolonging your years is something I don't think mere, temporary sensations can do.

 

[Cbarton]

They never do the butt slap anymore. Never really worked anyway. They can suction them out much quicker. I would think that ticklilng in than scenario would be hazardous due to (1) risk of initial inhaling that would cause the merconium and amniotic fluid to go into the lungs, leading to aspiration pneumonia and (2) unless you went for the Babinski reflex (stroke of the sole of a single foot to induce reflex foot movement), you have no guarantee that you would find a 'tickle spot" on the infant, whose body is being hyperstimulated anyway from all the bodily stimulation of being pulled from the uterus, etc.

 

[Camel26]

I dunno about in the newborn situation...but it definitely saves mine!!! It lowers my blood pressure, relieves stress...all of which helps reduce stresses to my body, and, in turn, helps me to be a happier, healthier person...

Tickling...you've saved my life...how can I ever repay you??? 😛 😛 😛

 

[ticklishwoman1]

Personally I think that tickling a baby upsidedown would do more harm than good but that's just my opinion.